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Sitaram Yechury (1952 – 2024): A Voice for the Voiceless, Now Silenced

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Today, India mourns the loss of one of its most resolute and fearless political leaders, Sitaram Yechury. A stalwart of the Left, a defender of democracy, and a tireless champion of social justice, Yechury’s passing leaves a void that will be felt across the political spectrum and beyond. From his early days as a student leader at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he served as the president of the students’ union, Yechury was known for his unwavering commitment to democratic principles and his fearless advocacy for the marginalised. In those formative years, he first made his mark on the national stage, leading protests and standing up against the authoritarian measures imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Emergency. As a young leader, Yechury became a symbol of resistance, a voice of reason in tumultuous times, and a powerful advocate for the rights of students and citizens alike. His revolt against Indira Gandhi's regime showcased his courage and deep-

The 6th Dalai Lama: A Journey of Poetry, Rebellion, and Tragedy

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  Image courtesy-  Rediff.com The life story of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, was ordained by many as the most powerful lama in Tibet, who eventually abandoned monastic life. In his early adulthood, he frequented taverns with friends and engaged in romantic relationships with women, earning him the nickname of the " playboy " Dalai Lama. However, a deeper examination reveals a young, sensitive, and intelligent man lacking discipline. After spending his childhood confined in a remote monastery with carefully selected tutors, his desire for independence is understandable. The violent conclusion to his life transforms his narrative from a mere jest into a poignant tragedy. Introduction The story of the 6th Dalai Lama begins with his predecessor, His Holiness Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, the 5th Dalai Lama. Known as the " Great Fifth ," he navigated a period of significant political turmoil and succeeded in unifying Tibet, becoming the first Dalai Lama to hold both

मुनीर नियाज़ी - हमेशा देर कर देता हूँ

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हमेशा देर कर देता हूँ मैं हर काम करने में ज़रूरी बात कहनी हो कोई वा ' दा निभाना हो उसे आवाज़ देनी हो उसे वापस बुलाना हो हमेशा देर कर देता हूँ मैं मदद करनी हो उस की यार की ढारस बंधाना हो बहुत देरीना रस्तों पर किसी से मिलने जाना हो हमेशा देर कर देता हूँ मैं बदलते मौसमों की सैर में दिल को लगाना हो किसी को याद रखना हो किसी को भूल जाना हो हमेशा देर कर देता हूँ मैं किसी को मौत से पहले किसी ग़म से बचाना हो हक़ीक़त और थी कुछ उस को जा के ये बताना हो हमेशा देर कर देता हूँ मैं हर काम करने में ..... English Translation I’m always late in every chore of my life When something important is to be said. When one has to fulfill, a promise is made. When one has to call in for help… Or one has to summon an old friend…. It seems I’m always late… When it comes to lending a hand, reassuring enough to make the mend, to pace up on the roads solemn, to meet

Haryana's Heavy-Handed Approach: A Blatant Attack on Farmers' Rights

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What’s happening at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points is not just a local issue—it's a litmus test for the health of our democracy, the strength of our economy, and the integrity of our society. It's a call to action for all of us to stand up for justice, fairness, and the rights of every citizen, regardless of their background or occupation. The Backdrop The ongoing saga at the Shambhu and Khanauri border between Haryana and Punjab paints a grim picture of the state's disregard for the fundamental rights of its citizens. Since February 13th, when the farmers from Punjab embarked on their "Delhi Chalo" march to demand fair treatment and basic guarantees for their livelihoods, the response from Haryana authorities has been nothing short of brutal. Reports of tear gas shells raining down on peaceful protesters, accompanied by the sound of gunfire and the cries of injured farmers, have shocked the nation. The use of force by the Haryana Police against unarme

I've Learned to Live Without YOU

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I've learned to live without you, though the scars remain, each mark is a testament, not to loss, but to gain. For in the silent expanse of my heart's lonely shore, I've found the strength to stand, to ache, to adore. The tears that fell like autumn rain, Nurtured a garden where hope would regain. Through the fractures of a love that once was true, I've blossomed, I've grown, I've learned No bitterness lingers, just a soft, healing rain, Washing away the echoes of lingering pain. For in the tapestry of healing, that time will weave I've learned to live, to hope, to believe. In the quietude, I've found a newfound song A melody of resilience, where I belong. So, farewell, with a heart that's renewed I've learned to live without you, and in that, I've been imbued.

12 Years and Forever: Remembering Maa

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Beloved Maa, As the hands of time gently turn the pages of our lives, tomorrow marks 12 years since you left us on that fateful November 4th. The ache of your absence lingers, and the depth of our longing for your presence continues to grow with each passing year. Your departure left a profound void that can never be filled. You were the cornerstone of our lives, the very essence of love, wisdom, and resilience. Your nurturing guidance sculpted us into the individuals we are today, and your legacy shines brightly through Me, Neetu, and the values you instilled within us. We remember your warm smile, your comforting embrace, and the countless sacrifices you made for us. Your memory brings tears, but it also brings a deep sense of gratitude for the time we had together. On this day, we honour your life and the beautiful moments we shared. Your spirit resides within us, an unwavering presence that guides our steps and comforts our hearts. We cherish the time we were blessed to spe

Music: A Shorthand of Emotion

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After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music, said  Aldous Huxley. It is indeed one of the most universal ways of expression and communication for humankind and is present in the everyday lives of people of all ages and from all cultures around the world. Several types of research suggest that listening to music we hear in our youth helps us recall specific events, reminds us of people we have forgotten, and helps us revisit significant periods in our lives. Why do we love music? Who among us doesn’t have a similar story about a song that touched us? Whether attending a concert, listening to the radio, or singing in the shower, there’s something about music that can fill us with emotion, from joy to sadness. Studies have shown that when we listen to music, our brains release dopamine, which in turn makes us happy. Typically, our brains release dopamine during behavior that's essential to survival (sex or eating). In one study published in Nature